Huskies Experience Mixed Success: Volleyball Wins in Louisiana, Football Faces Nebraska
The Houston Christian Huskies experienced a weekend of mixed results. The volleyball team opened the Louisiana Tech Tournament with back-to-back wins, while the football team traveled to Lincoln, Nebraska to face the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Volleyball Sweeps ULM and Edges Jackson State at Louisiana Tech Tournament
The HCU volleyball team started the Louisiana Tech Tournament strong, securing a 3-0 sweep against ULM and following it up with a 3-1 victory over Jackson State at the Thomas Assembly Center in Ruston, Louisiana. Against ULM, HCU demonstrated control in the first set with consistent serving and quick kills, winning 25-19. The second set was a hard-fought battle, ending with a 31-29 victory for HCU after saving multiple set points. They sealed the sweep with a 25-23 win in the third.
and Barger led the Huskies with 10 kills each, while Euhus added 9. directed the offense with 23 assists, and the defense was anchored by and , who tallied 11 digs each.
In the evening match, HCU continued its momentum, winning the first set against Jackson State 25-20. Although Jackson State won the second set 25-23, HCU regained control, winning the third 25-21 and securing the match with a 25-19 fourth set victory. Archie led with 14 kills, followed by Barger and Euhus. Fadal and combined for over 40 assists, while Byerly and Melgren led the backcourt with key digs.
The volleyball team continued the Louisiana Tech Tournament with a match against host Louisiana Tech on September 13th.
Volleyball Team Preview Before Louisiana Tech Tournament
Prior to their tournament success, the HCU volleyball team (2-5) traveled to Ruston, Louisiana for the Louisiana Tech Tournament, joining a competitive field including ULM, Jackson State, and Louisiana Tech. They were coming off a straight-set win over Texas Southern. HCU averages 11.4 kills per set while hitting .163 as a team.
has been a consistent force, leading with 59 kills and 11 blocks. has added 45 kills, supported by , and with 26 kills each. Setter has directed the offense with 112 assists, while adds 69. In the back row, has been a defensive anchor with 66 digs and nine aces.
Opponents include ULM (5-2), led by Aniya Hall with 93 kills, and Jackson State (0-5), paced by Jayden James, who had 415 kills last season. Louisiana Tech (3-4) is led by Jailen Hurley with 58 kills. Following the tournament, the Huskies head to the Sam Houston Tournament.
Football Faces Nebraska in Lincoln
The Nebraska Cornhuskers hosted the Houston Christian Huskies at Memorial Stadium on September 13, 2025. This was the first all-time meeting between the two programs. Nebraska entered the game with a 2-0 record, ranked as receiving votes in both the AP and Coaches polls, following a dominant 68-0 victory over Akron. Houston Christian, a member of the Football Championship ranks, came to Lincoln with a 1-1 record, following a 20-10 loss at Eastern Kentucky.
Nebraska was seeking its ninth consecutive victory against a non-conference opponent. The Huskers' 68-0 victory over Akron was their most lopsided win since 1986 and included 728 total offensive yards and 494 passing yards.
For HCU, the Huskies were looking to bounce back after a loss to Eastern Kentucky. The team limited Eastern Kentucky to just 173 total yards in that contest, and are allowing just 139.0 yards per game.
Nebraska's Dominant Performance Against Akron
Nebraska's 68-0 victory over Akron was a standout performance. The 68-point margin was the largest since 1986, and the shutout was the first for the Blackshirts since 2009. The Huskers' 728 total offensive yards were the most in 11 seasons, and the 494 passing yards were the second-most in school history. Raiola threw for 364 yards, Johnson rushed for over 100 yards, and Barney Jr. had over 100 receiving yards, marking a rare offensive trifecta for the Huskers.
Key Stats and Achievements
- Nebraska's defense posted its first shutout in 16 seasons.
- Dylan Raiola completed a school-record 20 consecutive passes spanning two games and has completed 78.1 percent of his passes this season.
- Jacory Barney Jr. had 92 punt return yards against Akron, surpassing Nebraska's team season totals for each of the past four seasons.
| Statistic | Nebraska vs. Akron |
|---|---|
| Points | 68-0 |
| Total Offense | 728 Yards |
| Passing Yards | 494 Yards |
| Rushing Yards | 234 Yards |
